antiquedrose
Texas
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...you had an informative post in the thread of Just When You've Think You've Seen Everything. So would you mind sharing some more of your knowledge/experience?
Do you have a short list of advice you'd care to pass on about do's and don't's of RV fire safety? What are the common causes of RV fires?Finally, if used correctly, are ceramic heaters safe?
Thanks!
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firedude
somewhere HOT!
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antiquedrose....
Wow, that's a big request since my career spanned 33 years. During that time I worked quite a bit on a metro engine company and also spent time as an arson investigator.
My short list will match most of anyones I imagine. Everyone wants to keep in mind that RV's virtually go up in smoke and become totally involved in flames within a matter of a few short minutes. T^hose few short minuted can be life and death critical especially if you are awakened by a fire. This means you've even lost more precious time in getting out. My list consists of...
1. A working smoke detector
2. A working CO (carbon monoxide) detector
3. a decent Class A and C fire extinguisher
4. No how to work your emergency exits!! (I saw a fatal MH fire and the fatality was due to loss time because the occupant could not get the emergency exit opened in time.
One thing, if you were to awake with a fire in the living area of your RV and you had a door to close between you and the main living area do so and then immediately use your emergency exit and get out! By closing the door it may keep the heat, smoke and fire at bay for a few precious seconds to give you time to escape.
I'd also like to mention maintenance. Many RV fires I responded to or investigated were due to lack of maintenance, such as clogged exterior heater vents for both the heater and water heater. you'd be surprised at how much regular maintenance and safety checks of your appliances plays a huge role in your safety.
Inspect your electrical (hookup) cord or shoreline as some call it. Make sure it is in good repair. Brakes! Just like your tow vehicle, toad or private auto be sure they are in good repair as well.
Some of the causes of the RV fires I've been on?......
I'd have to say the majority of the fires were caused by accidents. Trailing close behind were items related to lack of maintenance. Also many RV fires I responded to were caused by over heated brakes. These were due to either the drivers inexperience in using the brakes descending a steep grade or due to lack of maintenance. Many were also electrical in nature (equipment/appliance failures) and lastly some from mechanical failure.
I did experience one fatal fire involving a motor home at the fuel pumps. I personally responded to the call myself and investigated the fire. A freak accident? I'd classify it as such yes. Could it happen again? Maybe, maybe not. will it? Who knows, it definitely could. I can tell you from being there and watching the grief of the mans family as we all stared at his charred body on the ground it was all it took for me. I do not fuel with the fridge pilot or any pilot on for that matter.
As far as that goes all electrical items should be turned off when leaving the RV for any length of time. One motor home fire I investigated was caused by a computer that had been left on unattended for most the day and malfunctioned. The owners came back to find their RV and contents totaled.
Ceramic heaters? I use one myself, but there are proper precautions that need to be taken, all common sense items. The heater should be place on a proper surface well away from any combustibles. They should NOT be left on unattended. If you leave your RV for any reason for any length of time turn it off.
Lastly if you do experience a fire that cannot be quickly extinguished then get away, far away from the RV They go up FAST. One of our major concerns when we rolled up on a fully involved RV was where are the propane tanks located? why? because when the tanks are exposed to high heat and flame what's known as "BLEVE" (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) can occur. When this happens the LPG tank ruptures and is hurdled like a rocket in any direction and can travel up to 2000'!! I've experience many BLEVE's in my career, too many in fact and it's enough to age you 10 years on the spot IF you survive, so beware.
Most safety is common sense related stuff folks. Preventive maintenance I can't stress enough. Ever see those 20 year old fire trucks that looked and ran like new? Preventive maintenance.
I and I'm sure the OP welcomes any other safety items other readers might have as I'm sure I haven't covered them all and did so on a firefighters perspective. This could be a very informative and educational thread, one of which we haven't had in some time so it's probably due.
**** I ask DickA to not let this thread get into a debate on fueling with the fridge on while fueling or I ask that the thread to be closed as I have been chastised too many times for the post, but in fact it is true unfortunately.
Moderator Edit Note: I just bolded and undlined what I consider a very important part of Tony's post.
* This post was
edited 02/22/08 10:40pm by an administrator/moderator *
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Briteskys
Mesa, AZ
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Good job Tony..
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a1albert
Hood river, Oregon
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FireDude
I thought a BLEVE was a Blast Leveling Everything Very Effectively
Albert
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Dick A
Spokane Valley
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Most so-called accidents are are problems that are one-in-a-million type of thing. Often, many unusual events must be present at the same time. However, we can lower the odds of an accident by being prudent and always thinking about safety.
Although a propane appliance caused fire may be a one-in-a-million happening, it only takes ten seconds to turn off the master propane valve and the refrigerator switch so the igniter will not flash. A self-igniting water heater should also be turned off.
Check out the RV.Net Blogs at: blog.rv.net
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davepcpowernet
Battle Ground, WA
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I might add one thing, make sure that the escape window opens by testing it periodically. I have seen where the latches have corroded from condensation and have become very difficult to open. That little chore also reminds one where that escape is located.
Dave
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Mandolin Guy
West Central Georgia
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For those who have never seen a motorhome/mobile home fire, you can't believe how quickly the entire structure can be destroyed and how hot the fire can get in a short period of time. Firedude is right. GET OUT!!
And thanks, davepcpowernet. I'll check my latches today.
David
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firedude
somewhere HOT!
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davepcpowernet wrote:I might add one thing, make sure that the escape window opens by testing it periodically. I have seen where the latches have corroded from condensation and have become very difficult to open. That little chore also reminds one where that escape is located.
Very good advice. Point being as well where I've been on the beach the past couple years the rust can take it's toll and virtually make things not want to move lol!
I also want to hit again real fast on smoke detectors. Real story. (yes they save lives as we all know). I had a gentleman in the campground ask if I'd do a safety check on is 5 year old RV (from a firefighters standpoint). Upon trying to test his smoke detector it did nothing at all. I simply removed it and was telling him the importance of checking it periodically for battery level and performance. He sheepishly told me he had never done that and thought it was wired to the coach batteries lol. Well once I pulled the thing down I made a frightening discovery! The 9 volt battery was still in it's plastic wrapper and had never been hooked up!
Check these items regularly!!
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swebber
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Great posts guys ! Thanks !
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sumerduck8
Virginia
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Thanks Tony!!! Great post with some excellent information. Nice to hear from you again on RV Net. We miss you. Your friend Houston
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